Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Book excerpt: Performing works by master composers from Puccini to Bellini, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a summer magnet for thousands of aspiring musicians, dancers, artists and actors. Blue Lake students, most of them on scholarship, continue in the tradition established by resident muse Ludolph Arens, who believed the best way to nurture young talent was to focus their enthusiasm on the classics in an enchanted woodland setting far away from the distractions of daily life. Blue Lake's camp and international programs have nurtured jazz greats like James Carter as well as musicians who now play with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra and other leading orchestras. Guest performers have included the likes of Victor Borge, William Warfield and Red Skelton. Blue Lake's international program has given students the chance to perform before European nobility, including His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden. Book jacket.